Certificate in Online Teaching

The Certificate in Online Teaching program is designed to meet the needs of instructors in many different educational environments. The curriculum is a competence-based, professional development program designed for individuals who teach in online environments outside the P-12 educational setting. This program is not for initial certification. Educators teaching in higher education and training and development professionals in the private or public sectors will gain knowledge and skills for instructional planning, design, and delivery. Experiential learning, application of knowledge, and the enhancement of professionalism are vital components of each class.

Teachers in the P-12 system who are seeking an endorsement should consider the Online Teaching Endorsement program offered by Valdosta State University.

Special Requirements: Must have access to, or be able to gain access to, target learners for the CIED 7603 practicum. This can be completed as a classroom teacher or classroom volunteer.

Delivery: The program consists of 12 credit hours, four concentrated courses (7 weeks) offered on a continuous basis, allowing for part-time enrollment (e.g., one course per semester), or completion within 2 terms. No campus visits are required to complete the program. All work is conducted in online courses, including team functions, exams, discussion posts, and case studies. Students also have access to academic resources, such as an online library. Courses are asynchronous, but students may participate in videoconferencing for field experience supervision or feedback. Students benefit from a highly interactive program setting that promotes leadership, collegiality, and communication skills.

Technology: Students must have regular access to a computer with a current operating system (Windows or Mac) and high speed internet access. Additional peripherals such as headphones and printer may be required. Students must have access to Webcam software and hardware to enable remote classroom observation and conferencing. Additional course specific software may be required.

Transfer credit: No credits can be transferred from other institutions for this certificate program.

Retention/Completion: The maximum time allowed for completion of the certificate program is seven calendar years. Students must successfully complete the endorsement courses with an average grade of “B” or better to be recommended for the endorsement.

Admission Requirements

Teachers will be admitted to this program with the same criteria used for on-campus, non-degree programs. Students already enrolled in a degree program who are eligible and also wish to pursue this certificate must complete and submit to the Graduate School this Letter of Intent Form. Other applicants must submit the following to the graduate school:

$50 application fee. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid online using a credit or a debit card

Academic transcript for an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, indicating a 2.5 GPA

The student information section (top of page) and distance learning exemption (bottom of page), on the VSU Medical Form.

For additional admission information, please contact the VSU Graduate School at (229) 333-5694 or by email gradschool@valdosta.edu. All required documents must be submitted prior to close of business on the application deadline. For semester deadlines visit the VSU GOML Calendar.

CIED 7603 Design and Delivery of Instruction for E-Learning Supervised online field-based experience in design, delivery, and evaluation of standards based content to an appropriate student population. CIED 7603 templates ISD process, and has supervised implementation of module with pre-test, post-test, and evidence of use of student data.